A FOUR hundred-year-old black and white cottage has been left a virtual burnt-out shell after it was gutted by fire.

Investigators believe the devestating blaze at Appletree Cottage, Bradley Green, near Droitwich, started in the cottage's central heating.

More than 40 firefighters were called to the scene in the early hours yesterday and battled for four-and-a-half-hours to put out the flames.

Two appliances from Redditch were originally alerted, but when they arrived at the wattle and daub property they called for extra help.

Crews from Droitwich and Warwickshire were called in, as well as appliances from Malvern, Kidderminster, and Bromsgrove, plus a nine-ton water carrier.

"There was extensive damage caused to the first floor and the roof," said assistant divisional officer Paul Amos of Hereford and Worcester fire brigade.

"It was quite severe and spread quickly because of the cavities and gaps in the walls, as well as the straw panels.

"We managed to save the fabric of the building and it can be restored."

The fire started at around 12.45am and fire crews remained at the property until noon, damping down the embers and salvaging property.

A hydraulic platform from Bromsgrove was deployed to allow firefighters to remove smouldering tiles from the roof, allowing the fire to vent and stopping it from spreading downwards.

"We had several firefighters inside the building salvaging personal belongings," said ADO Amos. "The tiles had to be removed from the roof because the first floor was collapsing around them."

Police and ambulance crews were also called to the scene but there were no casualties.

The householders had managed to escape unhurt.

The British Red Cross victim support crew was also called out and the Salvation Army provided refreshments.

"It was atrocious weather and the firefighters soon got cold. What made it worse was that the rain on the ladders soon froze," said ADO Amos.

"It wasn't an unusual fire, but just very severe."